Ever played the popular dungeon-crawling action RPG series Diablo? How about the single player god-game with play-doh style creativity, Spore? If you obsessed over Diablo, or were fascinated by Spore's creative engine, then you are sure to enjoy Darkspore, the latest fast-paced sci-fi action RPG to hit the market.
Darkspore is based upon the 2008 Maxis hit game Spore. Spore focused on an intricate design systems allowing you to create almost anything you could think up. Darkspore however focuses more on the RPG aspects of the game, while limiting the creative engine to being able to only modify weapons and armor, along with select body pieces on different characters. While the limitations on the creative side are discouraging, Maxis does well with offering some interesting aspects in the game.
Squad Building/unlocking:
The first major part of the game is the usage of Squads to provide a more in depth game.. You are allowed up to three squads, each squad has three characters that you have chosen to be in said squad. At the start of each level you are allowed to choose which squad of three you will be playing with. You can switch between any of the three characters you choose during the current mission you choose to play through, but cannot switch to a different squad.
Character Editing:
The edit screen shows you an unpainted character model which allows you to change the shape/size of a few detail parts on your body along with changing any piece of gear you have equipped.
The middle button with the paintbrush on it allows you to see a painted version of your character, as well as slightly modify the color scheme. The colors don't dramatically change regardless of which skin/color combo you pick, they only highlight small areas of the body.
Gameplay:
Gameplay is fast paced and requires you to be aware of what types of enemies you are encountering. With large maps and various elements of enemies per map the encounters vary from easymode-hack-through, to difficult-tactic-necessary-strategy style of play.
Switching characters is easily done by the default keybindings of Q,W, and E. These allow for seamless switching mid battle. The ability keybindings are 1-5, with 1 and 2 being character specific, and 3-5 being squad-wide abilities.
Darkspore uses three types of classes, Sentinel(Tank), Ravager(physical damage), and Tempest(Spell damage). These classes are further defined by classifications. These include Bio, Cyber, Plasma, Necro, and Quantum.
Co-op play(not pictured here) allows you to play with up to 4 friends, or use the matchmaking system to find people to play with. The more people you have the more difficult the enemies become, but the more fruitful the rewards.
GG Verdict:
Darkspore offers more than enough play value for its price tag, and the storyline hints at future content. Definitely a game to have for any RPG fan.
